Machine for the manufacture of inner tubes.



APPLCHKOH HLED MM 22, 1825.

Nov. N, W13.

E. NAU.. v MACHINE FOH THE MANUFACTURE OF INNER TUBES.

APPLICAUON mm wmv/22.1916.

1,285,321 Patented Nm'. 19, 1918.

YSHEETS-SHEEI 5.

I Edward Nal l "wilmoo atto/vnu,

t. NALL.

MACHINE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INNER TUBES.

APPUCTlON FILED MAY22|1916 Pzlmxtml Nm'. 19, HNS.

' www@ 7 SHEETS-SHEEI 6,

wlalmtoz Edward Nall E. NAIL.

MACHINE F011 THE MANUFACTURE 0F INNER TUBES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY22. 1916. Y 1,285,321. 11119111911 N01. 19, 11118.

7 SHEETS-SHEET I 105 101 y mfg-1%?) Y IOC' im a@ W K enne are located upon the elongated fable and along' the route of the eonveyer beltf a EETNARD HALL,

MCHENE FOR THE MANUFACTURE 0F NNER TUBES, f 1 ff OF AKBQN, OHG, ASSIGNGE TD '2HE G-OEYEAR TIRE El COMPANY, 0F AKRGN, GHF-.0, A CORPOEATOE'I 0F GHQ.

Application filed May 22 1915.

To all rfi-0m t may wacom.'

Be if known that l` llnnzii-:o Xiu.. a eiiizen of the United Sintes, residing zu irliron. in the county of Sunnnit and Siae of Ohio, have invented new and useful innn'oi'emens in Machines for the lianuieture of inner rTubes.

My present invention relates o ainaehine for the nlanu'aeure of inner tubes for pneumatic tires and more particularly has reference to a m'zieliine l'or forming inner tubes from a single sheet' or ply of rubber.

As a principal object of the invention, l contemplate J.diie )revision of a machine organized from component unies Vwhich are adapted to treat :i continuously moving rubber sheet in accordance with successive steps in the formation oj an inner tube therefrom.

'To this end, l arrange an elongated pletform or series of table sect-ions over which an endless conveyer bel is adapted to travel. At one end of this structure is positioned the steek rae-k from which the rubber sheet is fed from sueees'sive rolls on to the conveyer belt, While at the opposite end is located the forming and pressing mechanism which transforms the sheet ino n com tinuous` tube yadapted to be cui up into lengths suitable to provide inner tubes. ln- -termediate these ierminal pars of ili'e nizinumber ofil mechanisms or appliances which are arranged to take eure of the successive steps of washing, coating and drying' the edges. of the rubber sheet prior io its entrance ,ino the mentioned pressing and forming1 uieelianisn'is. .f

, Aims of the invention subsidiary to the main object' thereof :ire concerned with the provision of means Jfor 1ashing opposed beveled edges of a moving sheet of inateriai,

a specific embodiment of which means may y eon'iprise rotaiable brushes dipping; into a bath or reservoir of' the eleinising` fluid; the provision of, complenienial'means for apply ing an adhesive Coating to ille washed edges of the moving rubberstrip; une provision of ,adjustable means for regulating the width of the edge zone 'of 'die' sheet which is being 'treated by the mentioned washing; und coating' mechanism; the provision of ineens io quickly dry the coated edges of "che sheet;

andthe prwision of av shaping 'tunnel to' Specification of Letters aizent.

@pei-ailing; upon he gunuueu Serial No.

ino :i ful/r11 :i presser roii edges V f' sheet to make them adhere io eaen o'riie; 1.* inniuienanre oi ihe 'ubular l'orm.

eoninuinisiy roll the llal sheel' lar ornu in eonpuirion u'i'li nisins; io provide guides to renn ber strip o elle eonveyer belt a" tlnfough any oi the lrealingi' appn provide an endless supgor't L with the belt'. space 'the ie, f"

edge oi2 he rubber sii-ip frein ille conveying', means; o provide orne means 'io clean lie belt itselir'7 io suuable driving ineebainsmsif-4A D die endless guide and certain o; me en treaaing; appliances; and nally to prei" a control of the machine such thai', i' may stopped by an operator sationed at any' poin along the renie of he eonveji/'er bell;u y The above and addiional uil a simiiar naiure, which will be lifiina''r" more specifically rea'edl are'pieieilabif.'v ao- S55 eomgiisiied by such means as are illusre'ed' in *alle aeeompanying dra\vings desrfribed iii ilie olioi'ing speeinea'non. and t more partieulurly pointed ouiI in the cle'inis'ii'iiieii" are appended hereto and Aform 'n pari; of i appiienion.

il'iih reference to ilie drew' rhere has been illusiraed n bodiineinV of iie invention .l is reduced to praeiee, and tlnmwhoui s vC-rai .'i "i's' 9G f of whichn similar reieienee non nate eorrespondineq paris;

i" ro a 3 :i i' View or' l'iie machine from 'ilie ri'ibber srip; a corresponding propposie end oi iiie machine fi a side eievaieu o? a pori-ion of aohine showing' lie Noel; roil uni` j! iube forming and pressing unie Fig. 3 is o, side eievaion or' erinn unit F by wiiieli `l'he ienjiis oi i "mouw are Figr? isI al typical cross-sectional view of the table;

Fig. 8 is a detail of the control box;

Fig.4 9 is a plan view of the edge-Washing mechanism;

vFig. l isa similar view of the coating mechanism;

Fig 11 is a detailed perspective View of the former or shaping tunnel per se;

' 'member moves along each edge of the rubber l Fi 12 is an end elevational view ofthe shaping tunnel and its mounting; y

F ig; 13 is a transverse sectional view o'f ,the rubber strip prior to being formed up as a tube; and Fig. 14 is a similar view showing the strip after it has been shaped into its tubular form'.

The machine which I have disclosed here"- in is especially designed for the manufacturei of a continuous tube from a continuous flat sheet or strip blank of rubber. sheets or blanks are supplied to the machine in rolls, andl both sides of the sheet are thickly coated with `talc or a similar chalky powder to prevent the adhesion of the several layers composing a roll. Prior -tobe' ing supplied to the inner tube machine, the

lateral ed es'of the-rubber strip are oppo- -sitelybev ed or'skiv'ed in the manner illustratedi'n F 13 in order that a more 'se.

.ed es which-are later to form the tube seam,

'an for this yreason the edges are first washed ibyvlthe unit B beforeventerin the cement coating appliance C. For bot the washing and coating operations a rotatable strip and is semi-immersed in a reservoir `units B and C, the ru containin ya properv cleansing or coating fluid. A ter leavin these two primary gbber strip passes, upon its -conveyer belt, through the quick-drying apparatus, which consists ofA a sectional tun v'nel heated by the steam pipes of the unit D.

Since 'the cement applied by the unit C to the beveled edges of the rubber sheet must be com aratively fluid in order to `facilitate its app ication, itis apparent that it must be dried to a considerable extent before the sleaming operation is undertaken. The steam drying apparatus D evaporates the major portion of the moisture in the cement .coating` butas it is dificult to regulate the temperature tb `secure the proper degree of dryness nthe part of the coated edges, the table is .eliangatedbetween the steam drying apparatus` and the-shaping tunnel in order that the remaining moisture in the cement coating after`AV the passage of the strip These flat y through the apparatus C may benaturallyl evaporated by contact with the surrounding.

travel, so that a relatively fine adjustment of. the degree of evaporation iC readily obtained from@ combination of the forced evaporation provided by the steam tunnel and the natural evaporation gained by elongation of the conveying table.

The rubber strip havingv now been washed,

coated and dried, enters the shaping tunnel, which automatically laps the beveled '.gummed edges of the strip and`feeds them under the press rolll completing the seaming n operation. Upon issuing from the last named mechanism the achieved continuous cylinder may be cut up into suitable lengths for inner tul s.

1 Vith this'preliminary outline, a detailed I exposition ofthe referred embodiment of the invention il nsti-ated herein will 'now be naideitaken'in the order of the operation of the unit mechanisms, reference being pri- 7 for an initial description of the table and its appurtenances.

The table consists of a number Aof elongatedA vplatform sections 15 which are ar-l ranged in end to end alinement'and supported by cross-bars 16 upon the upper ends of the tubular standards 17, each of which has a suitable footing plate 18 for attachment to the floor. Secured transversely upon the platform tops 15 are metallic half-round ribs 19 whichy exist in spaced relation for the substantially frictionless support of the eonveyer belt 20. This later travels over a pair of drullis 21 and 22 which are arranged at' opposite ends of the table and below the level of the platform sections 15 in order that ,the belt may be returned therebeneath. The rear drum 22 is journaled in fixed bearings 23 arranged upon'the terminal unit E, while the fore drum 21 is journaled Within bearings 24 adjustably supported upon a bracket 25 projecting from the unit B, in order that the tension of the conveyor belt 2O may be readily regulated in a Well known manner.

The table standards 17 are arrangedY in transverse pairs below the platform tops 15, each pair carrying clamp bearings 26 which support between them a roller 27 over which the 'conveyer belt runs in being returned below the table top from the rear drum to the fore drum. Smaller rollers 28 are also supported by pairs of the standards 17 upon t'runnions 29 and serve as occasional'polnts of support for the endless guide strap 30 which follows the course f the conveyer' belt and functions in a manner to be later s vmachine.

au; into a ,continuous tube.

te the testeur more fully set forth. A spool 3() at the rear ofthe machine and adjacent to the rear conveyer drum forms the turning point ot this endless strap at that portion of the lorwardly, the strap passes around the conveyer drum 21, thus being given .a longer path oi' travel than that accorded thebelt. rlhis has been found necessary to prevent binding or sticking between e the strap and belt when moving in unison.

The drivingniechanisin for the conveyer and the strap presents no unusual feature but 1will be briefly touched upon in connection ywith the description of the unit E, in

1 turn.

Attention is now more particularly directed to Figs. l and 3 for disclosures oi the stock roll unit A. This unit consists of a pair of side frames 32 and 33 which are r connected` in alinement by the tulnilar supports 34e Each of these :trames has a pair oit lfshaped bearingwportions 35 and 36 upon` ,which spaced rolls 3l' are supported in tirs, as illustrated in Fig. 3.v The bearsng portionsli of .the frames are in alinenient transversely of the yupper portion ot the stockrack'andserve to freely support thespindle rod. or shaft 38 of the roll 39, which is thus swung between the side Se .trames ltsis from 'this roll that the rubber strip Ablank is' fed `on to the conveying belt.' Upon the rolls 37 of the transversely alined lower bearings 36 `ot' respective side trames isisupported a similar roll spindle 40 upon which a relief roll of rubber material is placed. As 'the upper roll is exhausted, the free end ofthe lower roll isspliced thereonto, and tl'ierelief roll moved upwardly to .rest upon the bearings 35, so that there airis no interruption to the passage of, the rnbberstrip through the machine, additional relief 4rolls beingV substituted upon the bear ingsB-t as required. i

It .being understood that the means for e5. introducing the rubber blank upon the startiiigpoint 'of the conveyer belt has been fully forth, it remains now to .disclose the various mechanisms for treating. the movingl riibberstrip until its tinal transformation First oi' these mechanisms is the edgea-washing` unit B, which is illustrated in detail in 3 and 9., Eis thereshown, a pair of angle trames a3.; each ot a substantially U-shaped appearance in elevation have their bases 4A secured atthe Jore end ofthe table. l5., At the lower rear portion ,of the trames 4:3 there is journaledthe idler roll Ll5 over which'the moving rubberblank travels in doubling tu barlriupon itself7 later making an opposite turnv about the idler roll 1lb, which is journaled between the frames at their upper lore pertions. A roll 47 is positioned at the `lui l olf the roll 46 immediately above y all 45, and supports the rubber curve over the iirst two rolls and is to' bel returned to the conveyer belt l5. The mov ing blank is thus withdrawn from the belt temporarily for treatment in this mechanism, a. proceeding duplicated in connection with the unit C.

A washing brush 48 is supported upon its shaft i9 between the fore pai-ts of the frame to contact with the right upper odge otI the rubber strip moving over the rolls lVhen the tei-iii right upper edge is used in connection with the operation of the brush 48, reference is made to the right beveled edge of the rubber blank, which is normally uppermost, although it has been temporarily inverted by passage over the roll 45. This arrangement is necessary to bring itin contact with theupper periphery of the brush e8, since the lower periphery thereof is semi-immersed in a reservoir 50 or bath of the cleansing fluid. A similar brush 51 is mounted by its shaft 52 in the rea-i' portions of the frames 43 andcontaets with the lett lower edge of the rubber blank, as the latter passes in the normal position of the blank, over the third idler roll 47. rl`his brush is also semi-immersed in its own bath 53. l

Each of the baths or containers oi' a cleansing fluid, such as benzine, for instance, for

the two edge-washing brushes, is a shallow' reservoirs, which are of the constant level type are provided with removable caps 56 and are mounted by brackets 57for pivotal movement about stationary uprights 58, in order that they may pe swung with their respective tanks outwardly from the appliances B for purposes of cleaning when necessary. A pair of guides 5l) direct the washed rubber blank back to the conveyor belt l5, and conical disk guides G0 are adjustable upon each oi the idler rolls 45, i6 and 47 for the purposes of engaging an edge of the rubber strip so that the blank may be properly fed over the two brushes 4:8 and 5l.

A short portion of the table intervenes between the washing mechanism B, just described, and the adjacent cement applying apparatus C. This latter is illustrated in Figs. 4 and l() and is of the saine zgeneral character as tTi; edge-wasliing unit, side plates (l1 being' secured upon the table for the support of various rolls. Three idlers travelto the Arubber blank in its passage' A' roller 65` isf through the appliance.V mounted loosely in'a pair of bearings 466 to extend across the table immediately before iooA frame 61.

the mechanism to insure the en'tiancc ol the rubber blank latwise upon the conveyor strip,.and to prevent the blank 'from becoming taut between the last roller i7 of the unit B and the first roller G2 of the unit C. Arranged to contact with the right upper edge of the rubberstrip (in its inverted position beta/een the idlers G2 and 33) the coating disk G7, which is semi-immersed in a suitable adhesive fluid contained within the bath 68. This bath is in communication with a reservoir 69 of the same type, in construction and n'iounting, as the reservoirs 5l and 55 employed with the washing unit. The applying disk GT is mounted upon a shank 70 which is adjustably supported in any desirable manner upon the adjacent side A similar arrangement ci coating means, including the applying disk 71, bath 72 and reservoir T3 is arranged at the rear, end of this apparatus for operation upon the. left lower edge of the rubber strip immediately after the latter has passed over the third idler Gel, in its normal position.

It is now time to describe the function of the strap 80, which travels along the circuit of the conveyer belt 2O and at the'left hand side thereof, as determined by a guide-hook 74: vsecured (Fig. 10) to the left frame G1 of the coating mechanism. Positioned rearwardly beyond this unit is a roller guide 75, which extends over the conveyor belt and at an angle thereto'which may be regulated by the adjustable mounting 7G. This Aroller guide contacts with the strap 30 and de- 'lects it from. its previous straightaway path of travel at the left of the conveyer to a position` slightly left of the longitudinal center of the belt 20. The guide 75 is thus arranged, as shown in Fig. i, below the freshly' coated rubber blank as the latter is diagonally returned from the idler roller 64 to the belt, and the strap 30 is accord ingly interposed between the left side of the rubber blank and the conveyor. This prevents the freshly coated .lower edge of the rubber blank from coming in contact with the belt proper. The strip maintains this position]throughout the remainder ot its forward travel.

The next. unit preparing the rubber strap for its final forming into a continuous tube is the drier l), which is yarranged innnediately in the rcar of the coatingappliances. The drier consists of a number ot' tunnel sections 77 which are independently pivoted by hinges 78 to the table top and normally arched thcreover to provide an inclosure for heating pipes 79, which may be connected, as indicated at 80, to any suitable source of steam, hot water or hot air supply; controlling valves 81 of any customary nature being employed in connection therewith. Each ot" the tunnel sections 7T is provided with its handle 82 so that the operator may throw any or all of them back upon 'their hinges and so regulate the length of the heating tunnel and consequently the ,degree anisms which are adapted to seam the con-` tinuous blank into a continuous tube by lapping the treated edges. These mechanisms are contained within the unit E, illustrated in Fig. 5 as positioned at the rear extremity of the table l5 and at the turning point of 4the conveyer belt and st 'ap This unit also contains the driving mechanism for the entire machine.'

Unit E consists primarily of a pair of base frames 83 which are connected in transverse alinement at a number of points 84. Erected upon the two base frames is'the structure 8 5 comprising a pair of pedestals 86 cross- 'connected by a member 87, the central portion of'which is builtup higher than the ends. A relatively heavy pressing roll 88 is journaled in bearings 89 slidable in suitable ways 90`ormed within opposite pedestals 86. Each of the bearings 89 carries a rod 91 which projects upwardly through the ends of the element 87 and is fitted withv an adjustable cap piece 92. T 'ansversely supportedby' the built up center of the element 87 is a leaf spring 93, which acts upon the extremities of the bearing rods 91, serving to augment the force with which 'the roll 88 is pressed downwardly by gravity. This structure forms the basis for the use of the term power-operated7 in connection with the claiming'ol the presser roll.

Extending between the' roll 88 and the drum 22, which terminates the rear extremity of the conveyer 2O is the shaping tunnel 911:, which is mounted upon'the base sections 83 of this unit in the manner best illustrated bythe detailed Fig. l2. A support base 95 extends betweenthe base frames and is formed with a center socket 96 to accommodate a pedestalffl' upon which latter is positioned a bearing plate- 98. Divergently or. convergently movable upon the plate 98 is a pairof oppositely adjustable `sectiorrs 99 and 100,` which may be commonly and equally operated by manipulation of the screw shank 101, oppositely threaded extremities of which engage the adjusting sec; tions 99 and 100. A suitable handle 102 is provided for operation of this shank. Carried by the adjusting sections 99 and 100 and movable therewith are a pair of plates 103 upon each of which is supported one of `the shaping' tunnel portions 104. These last @lil y extren Shaper is; rom

got-tions O/i;

A n the nutcnetl tubu- .f it e the wider mouth. l'oin oer tapers eziri''erdlj; along;

` the ienne tube;

and ille, the L ter curvature oi twiet. lifiltli J l "hewn 1 il until the coated edge@ are "t3-ned into immediate guxteposition gust. or to issuing from the tunnel and bet-Ween lie pressing roil S8 and the cozictm: bese "ify roller i e into its fino .e above deonL 'niet diy moving; ruborme@l mio, a continuous loc. of *eine unit ill '. mieu the numeral iGiS I r of drums S-' und 'i085 .1f glournziled in Suitable bear Ti 2 'ings reigeeti'ely supported by the un L .and by "tbe terminal stand l?. The beezfings 'for the drinn` i953 ure carried at tlie upper ies of lever mns 1G52 which are interineeiatel);l jA pivote@ to respecive Sisle- A I 'x Tfr-unes li composing v e il theirl ext-rem arms;

ectetl to eonimctile Si i'. so carried by 'the we 'lo i'natin'iiiin the conveyor belt i045 i vor is provided ii it to cut. iu

'trozo the unit.

inner tuberi. tire m. ed by ille conic'cr ciruuincr from jvliicli they muy lie Secured in' e secon( operator whom, duty u, to delifi 'initie lic r Weight und to store tlieni ,in

roi' curizigje leen previously mclition @5 which loigietlier perform the op' rift and ci 'tbe shaft for the drum 22 have ined 'tliereover a Suitable chain 117 which i drive the elongated eonveyer 20. pair of brackets H8 project forwardly "i tbe frames of the unit E and mountsliets Ai9 and 120 respectively. On the former carried the cleansing brush 121, i' Aicli arranged in contact with the exterior surface of the conveyer LO und :serves clean it .from all uccun'uilzition of powder, seinen@ ete. 1belt gulley 122 is carried upon tile brush Shaft and driven by the belt 1F23 from the belt` Wheel El carried by the slittiit. 20, the latter being continuously driven by e suitable belt connection 125 extending ',lierebetween and the counterslizift MG.

second motor 1'26 has suitable reduction gearing designated generully by the numeral T27, which is placed in train, by the Sprocket drive i528, with the buse roll 105 of the presser mechanism, cliuiu drive 129 connects .the shaft of roller 105 with the shaft of the terminal coni'eyer drum '107 for the drive or the Shorter convcyer lO.

At lie fore end of the table l5 is the drum 2l, which receives its motion from the motor il?, through the cenveyer belt 20, und liuS drive chain conuctions` 130 Willi :i sprocket', 131 mounted for udjusinient in guide- 132 in accordance with the adjustment of the drum 21 upon iis bracket second sprocket i3?, is n'iounljed for u'iovenient with rlie sprocket 'i and luis elmin drive connection with tbe fore brush Shaft 49, the drive connections aise continuing from the lutter to the rear bruslrsluift This concludes the description oi? the entire driving mechanism of tlie nuxeliine since it is not` necessary 'to drive the cement coating` rollers 7l, the con- "txtct of these with the moving rubber blank 'being' suiicienty to properlyv Actuate these rollers.

i tbe operation of the machine us thus i i'fzcd, :i workman tukes his pluce neur- 'lie *foro ond of lie table l5, in order to inirc tlie uninterrupted delivery of tbc rub- ;er blank Stock to the conveycr belt7 und to drei-see ille Yurious :uljusfuients 1i; hereby tlie proper edge width of the rublu'nk iS vfzisiied und guuuucd. His duso include tite filling oi' the reservoiw` washing und coming mechanisms 'o provide u :shorter tunnel where "'ila. A second oggeruiorivitli u measur- 'c lxir; platee along the conveyor oi iiie beading; tunnel. lt is '3, miurl tbc continuolu; rubber blank into me proper lengths 'for inner tubes, 1 also o inurl; :t one Spot for ,each tube iii lilo po it where the 'vulvepatcll is to be linker uppicd, A 'tliird operator takes bis Staind in the 'vicinity of the unit E und slips a valve patch onto the proper spots, as lo* cated by the second operator, just as the tube enters the shaper or shaping tunnel 9i. The pressing rollers apply this patch iirmly to the inner portion of the tube seam. A fourth operator takes his stand near the con veyer 106 and wields a suitable cutting in. strument to cut the continuous tube issuing from the presser rolls up into the ltube lengths marked by the second operator. The last operator secures the tube lengths 'from the conveyor 10G. or the container into which such conveyor empties the tubes, weighs them and stores them on suitable racks to await curing.

Whenever the machine is stopped to correct any fault that may a rise. in the produetion of the tubes, the first operatmf immediately throws back all of the tunnel sections 77, in order that the portion of the rubber blank resting over the heat will not be unduly dried. The shaper operator also depresses a suitable lever 34. which is pivoted to one of the frames S3 o't` the unit E and operates, through a connecting rod 135 the arm 13G of a crank shaft 1:57 secured transversely oi. the structure Sii and adapted to move upwardly by suitable crank arm connections 13S the bearings Si) niounting the heavy seam roller Siti. This done against the action ot the lea l: spring 93 and prevents what might be a permanent distortion oi? the tube portion, which rests between the press-4 ing rollers.

Stolipage of the machine by an operator at any point along the table 15 is accomplished through the medium ot' the control bar 139, which is rotatably maintained in the brackets 2G of the table standards 17 throughout the length ot the table. At one extremity of this ybar a sleeve arm 140 is carried, which has connections with the operating arm 141 ot' the control boX 112, which is supported by brackets 113 upon the table standards nearest the unit l@ (Figs. 2 and S). Operation oi lthe arm 1-l`l serves to break connections for the two motors 112 and 126. The machine may be restarted 'by the usual push button mechanism maintained in the box 144- arranged uipon one oi the frames otl the unit E. Means are also provided to control the speed of the motor 126 in accordance with the motor 112, such means being generally illustrated as including the control rod 145, and as being oi' a type so well known as not to require exposition. Mention may here be made et' the apron 11G provided between units A and B and of the similar apron 11T placpd below the brush 121 to receive the tale which may be scattered from the stock roll or from the eonvever 20.

From the foregoing` recital of operations, and troni the detailed description preceding such recital, ,it should ybe apparent that disclosures have been made of this invention facture of inner tubes, means for applying capable of attaining all of the viously set forth.

JVhat I claim is:

l. In a machine organized for the manuobjects prean adhesive coating to the upper sur ice of one side portion and-to the under surface of the other side portion of a fiatvvise rubber blank in continuous movement; and sta/tionary means' adapted to receive the iiatvvise' blank and to lap its coated side portions to form a seam and thereby produce ancontinuous tube as the blank is passed therethrough.

A machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, having means for coating with an adhesive material the edge portions ot' a ply of rubber material in flatwise state, said means includingr separate devices for applying the adhesive material vto opposite surfaces of the side portions.

ln a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, means for applying adhesive coatings to' a fiat rubber blank; means for partially drying said cpatings: and means for forming the blank into a flattened tubular shape to be maintained by cbincidence. of said coatings, said last mentioned means being adapted to act upon the blank subsequent to the application of the adhesive coatings thereto.

i1. In a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, means for successively,t washing, eementing and drying the edges ofiy a, rubber blank; and means for lapping saidlfioo blank edgesto form a permanent seam.

5. In a. machine organized for the manu facture of inner tubes, means for Washing.- cementing and drying a continuously moving rubber blank; and means for forming the. blank into a tu'be Without interrupting the movement of the blank. s

G. 1n a machine organized'for the manufacture oit' inner tulbes, means for applying adhesive coatings to opposite surfaces of oppositely beveled edge portions of a fiatwise rubber blank; and means for lapping said lblank edge portions upon themselves to form a permanent seam. 4

7. In a machine organized for the manufacturey of inner tubes, means for washing opposite edges of a rubber blank; means for coating the washed edges of said blank with an adhesive.; and means for lapping said blank edges to form a permanent seam. 120

.8. In a machine organized for the mame facture of inner tubes. means for washing y, opposite edges of a rubber blank; means for coating thewashed edges of said blank with an adhesive; means -for drying the coa.tedl25 edges of said blank; and means for lapping said blank edges to form a permanent seam'.A-

9. In a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, means f or continuously moving a rubber blank; means fo;` ap'-A 130 incassi remote from the forming means whereby ad.

ditional evaporation and consequent drying of the coating is accomplished by prolonged exposure to the atmosphere at normal temperatures.

10. In a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes; a conveying 'element for continuously transporting a rubber blank; means for applying a treating preparation to the blank; and means for'texnporarily removing portions of' said blank from said element as a preliminary to the application of the treating preparation.

11. In a machine organized for the manu facture of inner tubes, a' conveying element for continuously transporting a rubber blank; means for doubling portions of said blank back from 'the carrying element and upon the remainder not removed from said conveying element; and means for washing and adhesively coating the edges of said blank when doubled back from said conveying element.

1Q. In a. machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, a. conveying element carrying a continuous rubber blank; mea-ns for temporarily withdrawing moving portions of said blank from the conveying` element to coat the normally upper edge of the blank; and means for returning the coated blank to the conveying element.

13. In a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, a conveying element carrying a continuons rubber blank; means for temporarily withdrawing moving portions of said blank from the conveying element to coat the normally lower edge of the blank; and means for returning the coated blank to the conveying element'.

14. In a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, a conveying element carrying a continuous rubber blank; means for withdrawing a. moving portion of the blank from the conveying element; means for applying an adhesive coating to an up per and a. lower edge of said blank; and means for returningr the coated blank to 'the conveying element.

l5. In a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, a conveying element for transporting a continuous rubber blank; means for withdrawing a moving portion of the blank from the conveying element; means for applying an adhesive coating 'to an upper and a lower edge of said blank diagonally opposite in a cross-section of the blank; means for returning the coated blank to the conveying element; and means for heating elements extending over a. pornv spacing the coated Vlower edge oit the blank from the element. Y

16. In a machine organizedior the manufacture of inner tubes, a conveying element for transporting a continuous rubber blank;'

au endless guide moving in conjunction Asaid conveying element; means for withdrawing a moving portion of said blank from the conve ine' element' means for anlying an adhesive coating to the withdrawn` lank portion; means for returning the coated portion to the element; and' means shifting the path of said endless guide' at the point of return oi' said blank to the conveying element to interpose the guide between the blank and conveyincf element.

'17. In a machine organized For the manufacture voit inner tubes, a conveying element for transporting a continuousrubber blank, rollers mounted above the conveyingeleervoirs containing' a cleansing' lfluid in riuntaposition to said rollers; and a pair Qca adhesive coatings thereto; and roller means contained in each of said mechanisms :for withdrawing said blank from the conveying element in a reversed curve and for return-4 ing the blank 'thereto in a normal position.

I9. In a machine organizedyi'or the mnnl 'facture ot inner tubes, a conveying element for transporting a continuous'rubber blank, mechanisms located at points along the path of said conveying element for respectively washing the edges of said blank and apply-` ing adhesive coatings thereto; and means contained by each of said mechanisms for temporarily withdrawing the moving blank from the conveying element.

20. In a machine organized fonthe manufacture of inner tubes, a conveying element for transporting a continuous rubber blank, mechanisms located at points along the path of said conveying element for respectively Washing the edges of said blank and applying adhesive coatings thereto; means `contained by each of said mechanisms for tem- A1porarily withdrawing the moving blank from the conveying element; and means guiding the return of the withdrawn blank to said conveying element. i l i 2l. In a machine organized for the ma facture of inner tubes, a conveying element for transporting a continuous rubber blfir:

`o`o ment and adapted to withdraw said blank therefrom in a reversely curved path res' ri l Miti

lilo

ofsaid element for evaporation of the moisturel in the moving blanks and removable means for inclosing said heating elements and the portions of the blank passing there- 6 thrqug'h. l

22. In a machine organized for the manu `faccture of inner tubes, .a conveying element for 'transporting a rubber blank; drying l /means arranged in proximity to the moving l blank'laud element; and a sectional inclosing tunnel for said drying means, and the blank portions passing therethrough, each of the sections of lsaid tunnel being independently movable out of its inclosing position.

- 23. In a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, a' conveying element; means positioned at one extremity of said element for feeding a'continuous flat blank thereonto; means at the other extremity of said conveying element to curl opposite vedges of successive blank portions into a {latf tened tubular form; and mechanisms stationed along the path of said element to prepare the blank received from the rst said 'means for operation thereupon by the second said means.

' 24. In a'machine organized for the manufaeture of inner tubes, a. conveying element;

means located' at one extremity for feeding 80 a flat rubber blank therethrough; means located atthe opposite extremity of said con-- veying element for continuously forming the blankinto a tubular shape; and mechanisms intermediately located in the path ot' said 8e conveying element to wash, cement and dry the blank received from the feeding` means and prior to the operation ot said 'forming f'means.

25. In a machine organized for the manu- 40 facture of inner tubes, a conveying' element; means for feeding a Hat rubber blank onto said element; means strzuldling4 said conveying element ton'ash the edges ot the bla nk; means straddling the conveyingl element to apply adhesive coating to the blank edges; means straddling the conveying` element to evaporate the moisture of said coating; and means in alinement with said conveyingr element for receiving the blank l'ihcreironi and shaping it into a continuous tuben 26. In a machine organized 'lor the nianufacture of inner tubes, a coi'iveying element; means for feeding a flat rubber blank onto said element; unit mechanisms positioned 5b along the course of said conveying element to successively wash, coat9 and dry the edges of the moving rubber blank; forming n'leans in alinement with said conveying element to shape the blank into a continuous tube; and

power operated mechanisms for seaming a, tube issuing from said forming element.v

27. In a machine organized for the manu facture of inner tubes, a former adapted to Lesse-e1.

receive a relatively wider and flatwise continuous rubber blank and to lap the edges of the blank in its passage therethrough; a driven roll receiving the blank issuing from said former; a presser roll coat-ting with said driven roll to seam the edges of the blank; means affordingan adjustable resilient con 70 tact between said presser and driven rolls; and means for separating the tivo rolls against the action of said resilient means.

QS., In a machine organized for the manufacture of inner tubes, a conveying element for transportation of a continuous rubber blank; means lto coat one of the under edges of the blank; support gui-de traveling along with the conveying element and ini tially separate therefrom; and means de- S0 fleeting the guide over onto the conveying element to receive the coatedblank and to space the mentioned under edge 'ilu from the element.

29. In a machine organized for 'the manu 85 f cture of inner tubes, a conveyer carrying a continuous rubber blankya support guide traveling along with the conveyor; means determining a partial path for the guide distinct from the path of the conveyer; means to torni the guide so that the remainder of its path coincides with the path oi the conveyer; n'icans to temporarily Withdraw the blank 'from the conveyer in order to coat its under edge; and mea-ns to return the blank toward the conwyer, the last mentioned means disposing the coated blank upon the deflected guide with .the coated edge in sp1-,ccd relation to the conveyer. l

530. ln a inacliinc organized for the 'rnanu- 100 l facture ot inner tubes, a conveying element for transporting a continuous rubber blank; rollsI having the blank trained thereover in temporary and partial ren'ioval from the conveying element; i'nechanism to treat the 105 edges of the blank when removed from the clement and means to adjustaliily mount thev treating mechanism to adapt uthe latter for treating odge zones oi' various widths on the blank. i"

rll. In a machine organized for the manufacture et inner tubes, means carrying a con tinuous rubber blank; reservoirs containing treating iiuid; treating mechanisms contact? ing; with the edges oi the blank and baths 115 imnnrsing the treating mechanisme and in communication with respective reservoirs, whereby the treating Huid in the bath is maintained at a constant level.

In testimony whereof I have signed my 129 name in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

EDVJAR D NA LL,

Witnesses (ino. W. Roanne, C. V, l). liinvnoL-n. 

